Price Glitch Affects UDON Books, but Should Be Cleared Up Soon

Last weekend, Amazon and other online book retailers began offering books like Mega Man Official Complete Works for the cutthroat price of $14.99. A pretty good deal, but not a deal that was intended to happen. And while Amazon honored the orders at first, it seems that may not be the case anymore. Staffer Maverick-Jin was e-mailed this morning by Amazon to be told his order for Mega Man Megamix Vol. 1 and Mega Man Official Complete Works was canceled, citing lack of stock and offering him a $25 gift card for the trouble. And sure enough, only stock from Amazon’s third party sellers is available as of now.

We inquired to UDON Entertainment’s Matt Moylan as to the situation, and here is what he tells us. First of all, Matt assures that the books are not out of stock, and they still have a few months supply of both MM and MMX Official Complete Works, as well as Megamix Vol. 1. The source of the problem appears to be with the distributor, Diamond Distributors. Once this glitch had been realized, Amazon put a hold on all products managed by Diamond, which besides UDON includes publishers such as Marvel and Dark Horse. While UDON has no control over the matter, Matt suspects the issue will be worked out in the next couple of days, and asks for the patience of us fans.

Additionally, Matt also offered up some good news. Mega Man Zero Official Complete Works will be going back into print, and should arrive starting the first week of May, so those who may have missed the chance to grab it will get a new one. It sounds like there’s strong demand for Mega Man artbooks and comics!

As always, much thanks to Matt and UDON for the heads up.

Rock Candy of a Different Sort

We all like Mega Man here, or as he’s known in Japan, “Rockman.” Or at least, one would think so; if not, we can only assume that this is your first time experiencing the wide world of the Blue Bomber, so we welcome you and hope you’ll enjoy your stay.

Now, where was I? Ah, yes: we all like Rockman, and odds are we all like candy. Which is why we are fortunate enough to be able to experience the union of super fighting robots and the fun, fruity flavors of the iconic Japanese hard confection known as “Sakuma Drops.”

To commemorate the release of Rockman 10, Capcom has partnered with Sakuma Drops to present “Rockman Sakuma Drops.” These candy pieces come in eight flavors: melon, mint, orange, plum, pine, strawberry, lemon, and apple, each of which is meant to correspond with one of the special weapons our hero obtains in the game upon defeating a Robot Master. Plus, the promotional material says that they will help you to “prepare for the Roboenza outbreak.”

Rockman Sakuma Drops will be available in Japan on March 6th, 2010, and cost 350 Yen, or roughly $3.92 USD. And naturally, it is our duty as fans to pester Capcom into making these more readily and easily available to us gaijin-types.

To the suggestion box! Because we must experience the taste of pine candy!

Source: GameBridge News, via CapKobun, via Protodude’s Rockman Corner

E-Tank Energy Drink, v2

On the left: Japan’s E-Tank energy drink, released to commemorate Rockman 9 in 2008.

On the right: Japan’s new E-Tank energy drink, released to commemorate Rockman 10 in 2010.

As you can tell just by looking at the glasses, the new version is different from the old, despite the similar-looking cans. Whereas the old was royal jelly-flavored, the new is a little more mundane with the simple flavor of blueberries.

ProTip: They’re called blueberries because they’re blue.

For a limited time, the energy drink is being sold for the low, low price of ¥137, or $1.24 USD. Of course, to take advantage of such a deal, you must live in Japan. Otherwise, you’re stuck trying to order the less-iconic American version from the likes of Amazon.com or ToyWiz for $3.99 a pop.

For the collectible-minded, you can compare the old and new cans by way of the pictures shown here on Kotobukiya.

Just for fun, we know that E-Tanks are but one of many kinds of tanks in the Mega Man universe, and we’ve seen it come in two flavors so far. Supposing other tanks were to be made– S-Tanks, W-Tanks, M-Tanks, even Sub-Tanks– what flavors do you think would best suit such energy drinks? Share your flavor fantasies in the comments below.

Source: Protodude’s Rockman Corner

Mega Man Megamix Arrives Wednesday; Final Preview Page Emerges

Now that this battle station is fully-armed and operational once again, we can now bring you the final preview page of UDON’s Mega Man Megamix Volume 1, which will be available in comic shops everywhere this Wednesday.

This last preview page gives us details of a fan-favorite Robot Master whose past is more mysterious than many of us at first thought:

Click to enlarge.

UDON Managing Editor Matt Moylan informs us that while comic shops will have the book, other retailers such as Amazon should be shipping the book “any time” as well.

And for those skeptical that this is really it, Mr. Moylan offers the following image as proof of the finished book’s existence:

Click to enlarge.

You might notice that Megamix does not sit alone here; in fact, arriving at comic shops this Wednesday will also be the first issue of UDON’s Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors, and I’m sure they would love it if you all would give that a shot as well. After all, you never know when some of the artists might decide to sneak in something of interest.

Preorder Your Rockman 10 Original Soundtrack

Inti Creates will be releasing the Rockman 10 Original Soundtrack in a month, containing the collaborative works of over ten musicians who have worked on music throughout the Mega Man series. If you’re looking it preorder it, you have one option so far with CD Japan. I’d also keep an eye out on Play-Asia and VGM World, as they should be adding it to their stock sooner or later. It’s uncertain if importing will also nab you the Inti Bonus Disc Vol. 1, though in my experience the first shipment that importers get has always included bonus items, if any were offered. We’ll keep you updated on sites to make sure you get the best deal. And of course, I’m pretty sure lots of Mega Man 10 music samples will be coming out next week.

Your Latest Mega Man Megamix Robot Master Profile

The first volume of UDON’s Mega Man Megamix is only one week away from release, and as promised, they have passed along another preview page from the book’s profile section:

Click to enlarge.

Did any of you guess correctly?

The E-Can Cushion

We know that Capcom has been putting out E-Cans you can drink. Now how about an E-Can you can snuggle with? Because along with the Rockman 10 Original Soundtrack, this is another of Capcom of Japan’s promotional items for Rockman 10. The cuddly can is an astounding 30cm by 30cm (nearly a foot square), and made of polyester. It is planned to release in Japan in early March for ¥2,625 (roughly $28.88 US), and is available for pre-order at e-Capcom now. How much would you love to have this?

Rare Copper Rockman Statue Hits Auction Block

An interesting and pretty rare item has hit the ol’ Yahoo! Auctions: a copper-finished metal statue of Classic-styled Rockman:

As one might remember, only about 200 or so of the 3.5 inch, 3.1 ounce statues were produced for the 20th anniversary of Rockman and sold through the Japanese e-Capcom store. As of this writing, the untouched opening bid for this piece is 8,500 Yen/$95.00. Not exactly cheap, but can you really put a price on an item like this? Well, I wouldn’t have thought so, either, but here we are.

There is also a rare silver version, but if you’re not in the market for holding your breath, then you can go for this version of the Blue Bom– er, Copper Commando through Rinkya. And if anyone asks why he isn’t blue, just tell them he’s got the Needle Cannon equipped or something.

Source: Gyroman’s Auction House, via Protodude’s Rockman Corner

The Decade in Review: 200X – 200X

About a week ago, Heat Man came to me and said “you know, it’s going to be the year 20XX soon. You should write something reflecting that.” And then he went and wrote his own article, so now you get two of these things.

With that said, let us take a look back on the decade that was, and all of the many wonderful and bizarre turns of events which took place.

The Robot Revolution

The new millennium got off to an amazing start, as in the year of 200X, roboticist Dr. Thomas Light kick-started the robot revolution, advancing the practice a thousandfold and creating robots to help assist mankind throughout their everyday lives. In addition to robots designed to fulfill nearly every purpose you could think of, he also created a series of six special “Robot Masters” which would lead other robots in fields such as demolitions, antarctic exploration, and more.

Reports state that there were originally eight of these mechanical marvels, but that the last two had been recalled due to issues of ethics, including some allegations of racism. Dr. Light denied any malevolent intent on his part in the designing of any of his robots, shortly before the ill-timed appearance of Roll, his housekeeping robot, who was designed to resemble a pre-pubescent schoolgirl.

Such controversy would have to be put aside, however, as in the year 200X, one Dr. Albert Wily took control of the Robot Masters and the many legions of robots that had made themselves a part of our everyday lives, and threatened to use their combined might to take over the world. The American press made attempts to paint Wily and Light as partners, though this would later be refuted as it was revealed the two doctors in fact shared in a longstanding rivalry, one in which Light was said to always come out on top in.

As such, the rivalry would continue as Dr. Light would repurpose his robotic lab assistant. Giving DLN-001 “Rock” a suit of body armor, a helmet, and an arm-cannon capable of launching compact balls of plasma at high speeds over great distances, Dr. Light christened his champion as “Mega Man,” and sent him straight into the heart of the invaded territories to bring down Wily’s armies.

Amazingly, the plan worked, as Mega Man was able to infiltrate and defeat the six robotic overlords and their master, who hid away in his multi-leveled fortress of terror. Some say he would not have found success without the ability Dr. Light gave him to obtain the abilities of his fallen foes. The fighting was over, but the peace was not to last.

Some would blame the revolving-door nature of our prison system, while others would point the finger squarely at the administration in charge of the government at the time. Regardless of the cause, Dr. Wily found himself a free man in the year 200X, and began his effort to rule the world once again in earnest. This time, he created eight war machines of his own design and sent them out into the world. And once more, Dr. Light deployed his “super fighting robot,” Mega Man, to combat the threat.

The battles were long and difficult, but Mega Man triumphed once again in what many would say was his greatest conflict as he brought Wily’s empire to its knees once again.

In an astounding turn of events, the year 200X would see Dr. Light and Dr. Wily make peace at long last as the two decided to collaborate on an enormous peace-keeping robot known as “Gamma,” which would be energized by crystals obtained from eight mining colonies. How such a creation would actually manage to keep the peace was never fully-disclosed, as a new robot revolt would occur on the mining colonies.

Once more, Mega Man was sent to quell the revolutionaries and retrieve the energy crystals necessary to power Gamma. Upon putting an end to the final Robot Master and sending back the last of the crystals, eight new overlords appeared to wreck the mining colonies, leading to Mega Man taking further action to put an end to the conflict. It was during this time that Dr. Wily would reveal his true colors as the mastermind behind the revolt, turning on Dr. Light and stealing Gamma away to a newly-constructed fortress.

Once finished with his business in the mining colonies, Mega Man would give chase and hunt Wily to the depths of the villainous Skull Castle, where Wily would turn the full force of Gamma on Mega Man himself. Mega Man would persevere and triumph in the end, though wreckage containing robot parts and what some believe to be recycle-friendly video game cases rained down, crushing the mad scientist once and for all.

A tragic end, but at least the world may finally know peace from robotic terror.

The Dot-EXE Boom

While the internet has existed since 19XX, it is in 200X that it began to take the world by storm, as networks connecting people, places, and information would come to criss-cross the globe, making communication easier than ever. Unfortunately, the World Three (aka “WWW”), a fiendish terrorist organization determined to rule the world, began to use the networks as a way of committing their various NetCrimes as they worked toward a greater plot known as the “EndGame.”

The Official NetBattlers, a body established to help quell such crimes as those committed by the World Three, refused to disclose publicly how the full scenario played out. One Official NetBattle, Eugene Chaud, did make a remark to the effect of “@#$ing kids,” however.

Three months later, the absence of the World Three would give rise to a new organization that would strike fear into the hearts of web-denizens, the NetMafia Gospel. This organization would prove itself to be short-lived, but unfortunately, the following month would also see the return of the World Three. It was not long after staging a fake NetBattle tournament that the organization would once more be put to rest.

Things took a turn for the worst five months later, as it was discovered that a meteor was on a trajectory with the Earth. A new NetCriminal organization known as the Nebula Crime Syndicate would attempt to interfere as officials sought out a capable NetBattler to infiltrate the bizarrely-composed meteor and stop it before it could strike the planet, causing untold devastation. Fortunately, they failed in their efforts, but the syndicate’s ringleader, Dr. Regal, may have escaped after a faked suicide attempt in which no body was found.

More Games and Merchandise Than You Can Shake a Stick At

In addition to all of the excitement of the past decade, many video games were made to celebrate the adventures of the Blue Bomber. They are listed as follows:

• The Misadventures of Tron Bonne (200X)
• MegaMan Legends 2 (200X)

• Mega Man Xtreme (200X)
• Mega Man X5 (200X)
• Mega Man X6 (200X)
• Mega Man Xtreme 2 (200X)
• Mega Man X7 (200X)
• Mega Man X: Command Mission (200X)
• Mega Man X8 (200X)
• Mega Man X Collection (200X)
• Mega Man: Maverick Hunter X (200X)

• MegaMan Battle Network (200X)
• MegaMan Battle Network 2 (200X)
• MegaMan Network Transmission (200X)
• MegaMan Battle Network 3: Blue/White (200X)
• MegaMan Battle Chip Challenge (200X)
• MegaMan Battle Network 4: Red Sun/Blue Moon (200X)
• MegaMan Battle Network 5: Team Protoman/Team Colonel (200X)
• MegaMan Battle Network 5: Double Team DS (200X)
• MegaMan Battle Network 6: Cybeast Gregar/Cybeast Falzar (200X)

• Mega Man Zero (200X)
• Mega Man Zero 2 (200X)
• Mega Man Zero 3 (200X)
• Mega Man Zero 4 (200X)

• MegaMan Star Force: Leo/Pegasus/Dragon (200X)
• MegaMan Star Force 2: Zerker x Saurian/Zerker x Ninja (200X)
• MegaMan Star Force 3: Black Ace/Red Joker (200X)

• Mega Man ZX (200X)
• Mega Man ZX Advent (200X)

• Mega Man & Bass (200X)
• Mega Man Anniversary Collection (200X)
• Mega Man Powered Up (200X)
• Mega Man 9 (200X)

And these are just the American releases!

200X was also a special year for some super heroes to get back to their roots; for Spider-man of Marvel Comics fame, this meant pawning off his marriage to the devil in order to return to a 40-year old status quo. But for Mega Man, it simply meant dialing back things to 8-bit and getting back to basics in graphics, sound, and gameplay. Both were bold moves, but time will tell as to which one pays the greater dividends.

In addition to a plethora of games throughout the past decade, there has also been a ton of merchandise made, including (but not limited to):

• Action figures from Jazwares based on the Classic, X, and Zero series.
• Action figures, PETs, Battle Chips, and other toys from Mattel based on NT Warrior, the Viz licensed version of Battle Network.
• NT Warrior anime, DVDs, and manga by Viz.
• Trading cards based on the Classic, X, Zero, and Legends series by Artbox.
• A four-issue comic book series based on the Classic and X series by Dreamwave.
• DVDs of the Classic-based Ruby-Spears animated series from ADV.
• The Mega Man: Upon a Star DVD from ADV.
• “Official Complete Works” art books based on the Zero, Classic, and X series by UDON Entertainment (with the last two arriving in just the nick of time).

Plus, as the decade closes out, we know that 20XX will kick off with a bang, as Mega Man 10 has been announced for March, plus not one but two manga series are in the pipeline for an early 20XX release from UDON: Hitoshi Ariga’s Mega Man Megamix and Shin Ogino’s Mega Man ZX. And if that wasn’t enough, there is also a triple-threat cameo of Zero, Roll, and MegaMan Volnutt in January’s Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars.

All in all, the years of 200X to 200X have been pretty good to fans of Mega Man, and with any luck, 20XX will be just as good– maybe even better. After all, there’s a lot more 20XX to work with.

–LBD “Nytetrayn”

Capcom Store cuts 10% for 10 days on MM goods

In honor of the announcement of Mega Man 10, and Mega Man’s 22nd anniversary, the Capcom Store is cutting 10% from all their Mega Man goods for the next ten days. If you’ve been eying some Mega Man goods, or want to get a last minute gift for the Mega Man fan in your heart, here’s a nice little deal.

And what’s that? What’s with that banner? Why, could those be new Mega Man 10 Robot Masters!? Well, sort of. The image, and robots, are actually from MegaPhilX’s Mega Man 10 fan game (which seems to be looking for a new name, now). Kind of an odd choice if you ask me, but also a little flattering, no?

Must admit though, I’m a little bummed those Mega Man 10 shirts aren’t on the shop yet. I’d still pay full price for one, though!

News Credit: Adam

Next Page »